Sheikh Hamdan Advances Dubai’s Tech Economy with AED 750M Initiative

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has approved several groundbreaking initiatives to enhance Dubai’s innovation ecosystem and strengthen its preparedness for future challenges. The announcements were made during The Executive Council meeting at Emirates Towers, attended by His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance, and His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai.

Coinciding with the 53rd Eid Al Etihad, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan paid tribute to the leadership of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, whose legacy has been carried forward under His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai. Sheikh Hamdan praised the public response to the ‘Zayed and Rashid’ campaign, launched by Brand Dubai, calling it a heartfelt tribute to the UAE’s founding leaders.

Among the approved initiatives is the next phase of the Dubai Research, Development, and Innovation Programme, with a funding allocation of AED 750 million to support a knowledge-based, technology-driven economy. The programme aims to contribute AED 20 billion annually to Dubai’s GDP by 2033, create 120,000 jobs, and support 600 innovative startups. It includes global partnerships, increased private sector R&D spending, and the establishment of the Institute for Future Research to enhance collaboration with academic and research institutions.

The Dubai Resilience Strategy, also approved during the meeting, outlines measures to strengthen Dubai’s preparedness for future challenges. The strategy focuses on safeguarding communities, ensuring strong governance, and building economic and infrastructure resilience, with initiatives such as volunteer programmes, adaptive legislative frameworks, and digital resilience policies.

Additionally, the Dubai Food Security Strategy was approved to promote sustainability in the food supply chain. With a focus on advanced technologies and local production, the strategy aims to reduce food waste, boost high-tech agriculture by 15%, and raise community food security awareness to 90%. Projects valued at AED 164 million will support small-scale producers and startups while introducing digital food security platforms and robust food stock management plans.

Another key initiative is the Criminal Judgments Implementation System, developed by Dubai Public Prosecution, designed to enhance judicial efficiency and public trust. The system leverages advanced technologies to accelerate litigation processes, improve enforcement rates, and introduce alternative penalties like community service. The initiative supports restorative justice and modernises legal procedures to enhance customer satisfaction and strengthen public services.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan said the initiatives reflect Dubai’s commitment to global leadership in innovation, resilience, and sustainability. “Dubai continues to set benchmarks for future readiness, ensuring a prosperous, knowledge-driven economy and a thriving, resilient community.”